Young God | L. Laufeyson

14. Madness

Loki has been spending his time pacing around his cell, waiting for Aurora's return from her audience with his brother. Assumedly, Thor probably just wants to make sure that she's doing fine during her imprisonment but that, of all people, Fandral had to be the one to escort her bothers him. Among Thor's friends, he had taken a liking to the blonde warrior the least, due to his high arrogance and disrespectful attitude towards the God of Mischief, always mocking him.

Steps arise in the corridor and Loki sits down, quickly grabbing a book as he continues or at least pretends to read. To his surprise, this time Aurora returns with the quiet and wise Hogun. The Asian man opens the cell and nods at her with a small smile. "I do wish you well, Lady Aurora."

"You, too, Hogun. Don't perish during the upcoming battle." Aurora thanks him, the observer has helped her to clarify and confirm Thor's answers. Hogun told her honestly about his childhood with Loki and the others, being objective. Entering the cell, her eyes are solemnly focused on Loki, revealing nothing but determination which slightly discomfits him when he catches her glance above the pages. Never has he seen that fire in her blue eyes.

Hogun leaves them alone, shooting one last glance at his former friend before walking out of the dungeons. They used to be friends but since Loki's betrayal, he doesn't want to be around the fallen prince anymore. What a waste, Hogun was Loki's favorite of the Warrior Three.

"Aren't you curious about what Thor wanted from me?" Aurora tries to gain Loki's attention, pretty certain that he's been reading that page of the book for way too long considering his normal reading rate. She remembers that he could finish a book within two hours.

Her attempt is crowned with success when he puts the book aside. "Knowing my brother, I assume him to be concerned about your well being. I'm rather curious about your sudden interest in talking to me again."

"You could've asked me if you had wanted to talk to me that bad." Aurora tilts her head, crossing her arms above her chest while she faces him through the force field. She didn't know that her silence affected him that much but she had struggled with her morals, which is why she couldn't talk to him as always.

"I didn't seek conversation." He slightly narrows his emerald eyes at her attitude while he gets up, standing opposite to her.

She analyzes his face, looking through his mask. "Really? It seemed so."

"But it wasn't." He corrects her with a fake smile which fades quickly from his face. His gaze is now completely serious as he looks down at Aurora. She's so petite, he thinks while staring at her small height, there must be at least a one foot difference between them. The only reason why he respects her is that determined fire in her. "What's the matter, Aurora?"

"What happened to 'mortal'?" She questions, wondering he doesn't use his former nickname for her anymore. It's weird to hear her name with his voice, making her stomach prickle.

"If you desire that name so deeply, then it shall be." He shrugs and receives a glare.

Yet, Aurora gets to the point and her voice grows softer. "I finally figured it out, your whole thing."

"You did? Well, please, enlighten me." Loki suggests provokingly. He does not take her serious, assuming that Thor just told her what kind of monster he is. Maybe if the last person he thought would have faith in him believed in his monstrous nature, he would finally be as ruthless as he is supposed to be.

Aurora ignores his comment, knowing this is part of his whole facade. Taking a step closer to the golden wall, they are just separated by the force field. They are standing incredibly close to each other, she can even feel the heat of the wall.